After his booking into jail, Harlin was freed on bail. He could not be reached for comment Friday. If convicted, he faces 10 to 30 years in prison.

Harlin is accused of fondling the woman, 21, early April 17 in a room at the police department, which is in the same building as the Bacon County Sheriff's Office and jail.

The woman had been in jail on charges of driving with a suspended license and violating probation in Lowndes County, Sellers said.

She and Harlin were acquaintances before her arrest. She told investigators that she consented, Sellers said. Under Georgia law, consent is not a defense when the victim is under control of a law enforcement officer.